Spicy Central American Noodle Salad

Ingredients

In this Central American adaptation, the traditional Korean ingredients like gochujang (red chili paste) and sesame oil are replaced with jalapenos and lime juice to give the dish a spicy and tangy kick. The addition of avocado and corn adds a creamy and sweet element, enhancing the overall flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Bibim guksu, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup corn kernels 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the jalapeno, lime juice, olive oil, honey, and cilantro to make the dressing.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and corn.
4. 4.
   Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss until well coated.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Garnish with avocado slices and additional cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice noodles — Cook the noodles according to package instructions, but make sure not to overcook them as they should remain slightly chewy.
• Jalapeno — Adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your desired level of spiciness. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
• Avocado — Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch. Slice them just before serving to prevent browning.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the salad just before serving.
• Customize the salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
• If you prefer a milder version, remove the jalapeno seeds and membranes before chopping.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber or red onion for additional crunch and flavor.
• Make sure to toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the rice noodles.

Serving advice

Serve the Fiery Fiesta Noodle Salad chilled as a refreshing main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for added creaminess.

Presentation advice

Present the Fiery Fiesta Noodle Salad in a large serving bowl, garnished with avocado slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the creamy avocado will make the dish visually appealing.